Test Engineer

This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 19th April 2027. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU or South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment., The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including both software and hardware, databases, and other technology platforms; leading the support and maintenance of applications; development and testing of new applications and platforms; and cyber and information security for the Agency.

The Engineering team, made up of software developers, DevOps engineers, Quality Assurance testers, and data professionals including engineers, scientists, and visualization experts, is tasked with the creation of applications and services, ensuring quality for both new and existing agency offerings, and developing data visualizations through their expertise in data engineering and science., The Senior Automation Test Engineer will play a key role in scripting and maintaining cutting-edge automation testing frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of our software systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to streamline CI/CD processes, driving efficiency and innovation. This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects within one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators, shaping the future of healthcare technology., We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Online application form, including a statement of suitability, of no more than # of words
• Test, further information will be supplied when you reach this stage.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description., Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

• Automation Expertise: Proven experience in scripting, maintaining, and executing automated test scripts using tools such as Cypress, playwright, or similar.
• CI/CD Integration: Hands-on experience with integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of scripting languages (e.g. JavaScript, Typescript) and working with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
• Problem Solving and Collaboration: Ability to identify and resolve defects efficiently while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated commitment to staying updated on the latest testing technologies and best practices, with a focus on improving testing processes and outcomes., * Maintaining and enhancing automation test frameworks, including scripting and improving existing solutions (A, I)
• Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including developers, DevOps engineers and external suppliers to deliver high-quality services (A, I)
• API automation testing, including designing and executing tests across services and integrations (A, I)
• Using test management and collaboration tools such as JIRA, Zephyr, TestRail and Confluence for test case management, defect tracking and documentation (A, I)
• Applying a risk-based approach to testing, prioritising efforts to maximise quality and coverage (A, I)
• Supporting test data and environment management to ensure effective and reliable testing (A, I)
• Experience with performance testing tools like JMeter, azure load testing (desirable) (A, I)
• Experience with Accessibility testing tools like Wave, NVDA, Pa11y, Axe etc (desirable) (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• Proficiency in automation using BDD frameworks and tools such as Cypress, Playwright or Selenium, with programming languages such as Java, JavaScript or TypeScript (A, I, T)
• Strong understanding of CI/CD principles and how automated tests integrate within delivery pipelines (A, I, T)
• Knowledge of API testing approaches and service validation techniques (A, I, T)
• Ability to use defect tracking and reporting tools to log, categorise and track issues, producing clear and actionable reports (A, I, T)
• Familiarity with modern Agile and DevOps testing practices (A, I, T)
• Understanding system architecture, including APIs, databases and cloud-based applications, to support effective test design (A, I, T)
• Knowledge of performance testing approaches and tools (e.g. JMeter, Azure Load Testing) (desirable) (I)
• Knowledge of accessibility testing practices and tools (e.g. WCAG, NVDA, Pa11y, Axe) (desirable) (I)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS (desirable) (I)
• ISTQB Test Automation Engineer certification or equivalent (desirable) (I)

Strengths Criteria

• Adaptable (I)
• Resilient (I)
• Learner (I), Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

A Digital Allowance of up to £12,823 per annum may be available for exceptional candidates based on our assessment of your skills and experience. This allowance is non-pensionable and may change on an annual basis.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Digital and Technology Group (D&T) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters! Its centre of excellence is also responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to transform the Agency's legacy technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions, designed around our customers' needs. D&T works in a holistic way to combine digital and technology change, data and information management, project delivery, business process, product management and cultural change to maximise out impact and ensure sustainability. We plan to be at the heart of one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators in the world and we need people who can help us deliver that ambition. D&T is a great place to build your career and we are committed to enabling our people to do the best work of their lives.